Scott Haiduc is the Director of Publishing for iHeartDogs, iHeartCats and The Hero Company. When not working, Scott spends his time on the farm, taking care of his animals and crops.Read more
There might be no better job than one where you get to walk dogs all day. Instead of being stuck behind a desk, you get to walk outside and play with man’s best friend. But can you really make a living as a dog walker? How do you go about getting a job like that anyway?
Offering jogs in a great benefit to clients and can help you stand out from other walkers.
The Right Resume
If you already have some experience with dogs, whether you worked at a retail pet store, groomers, or a receptionist at a vet’s office, it will be easier to get a job. If not, you will have a hard time convincing people that since you own your own dog, you are qualified to take care of the love of their life.
Here are a few tips to spruce up your resume:
Get certified as a dog trainer. It shows you have knowledge and can handle even unruly walkers. You can also add training to your list of services!
Volunteer at a rescue or shelter. Gives you a lot of experience working with many types of dogs and looks great on the resume. It also provides you with references.
Get CPCR certified and first-aid trained. This way, clients know you can handle an emergency.
Create a DBA and/or LLC. Having a business name makes you look more professional.
If you plan on getting hired by a dog walking company, the first 3 tips apply to you as well. Just remember that for every job they get hundreds of resumes – you need to stand out for them to even read yours in its entirety.
Networking
The best way to get a job walking dogs is to network, network, network.
Set up a website that lets people know your prices, what you offer, and how to contact you.
Pass business cards out everywhere.
If you still volunteer at the shelter, ask about leaving your cards up at the front counter or on the public communication board.
Start a Facebook Page showing pictures of the fun walks you go on with the dogs.
Go to dog events and dog parks and talk to the owners, hand out business cards.
Create a linkedIn Profile and start connecting with dog owners and people in the industry.
There are several sites where people post who are looking for dog walkers. The following sites can help you drum up your first clients:
This is going to depend on how hard you are willing to work, how many dogs you can do in a day, and if you are good at managing your time and driving route so you are not wasting gas. It will also depend on your location and the average rate of dog walker’s there. The United Stated Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2012 lumps dog walkers with animal care and service workers, giving the median annual wags as $19,970 a year. However, dog walkers in the area of Southern California where I live charge $30 for a half hour walk. If you walk just 10 dogs a day, that $1500 for a five-day work week.
Tips From the Pros
If you want to get experience as a dog walker, start out by volunteering to walk shelter dogs. Since these dogs are often full of energy, it’s a good
place to get some experience with strong dogs of all sizes.” – Lindsay Stordahl, Professional Dog Runner, Run That Mutt
“Dog walk for free initially. Many dog walkers get work from owners
spotting you walking 5-6 dogs in the park.They see you as an experienced dog Walker because you are walking 6 dogs and will ask for your business card.” – Chris Delaney, Career Coach
“It is really important to know and understand dog body language. This is especially important when you walk into the dogs home, reach over the dog to put on a harness/leash and see other dogs/people on the walk. Safety for the dog, and human must come first.” – Sherry Nativo, CPDT-KA KPA CTP, Professional Dog Trainer, Walker, & Sitter, All About Training Dogs
About the Author
Based in Tustin, Calif., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She also owns her own custom pet products company, A Fairytail House, where she makes personalized collars, leashes, beds, keepsake pillows and blankets, and anything else your imagine can think up. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs.
